Anonymous wrote:I second this reccomendation. It may be costly but is worth the shot, at least the process of elimination of what works and does not...

How costly exactly? I'm not sure shelling out the money on unproven therapy is the best choice when there are proven therapies we can spend that money on. For my family, anyway, it's different I suppose for those who are wealthy.

We don't do any supplements for DS, who has ADHD and anxiety, but the psychologist he's seen had, IMHO, some very sage advice. She feels that, if at all possible, one should pursue standard, proven therapies and only then try less conventional ones as a supplement (she said this in response to questions we had about possibly trying vision therapy to see if that would help with our son's ADHD and reading difficulties -- and she herself raised a child with unspecified challenges and periodically would try alternative therapies). Like some of the PP's here, it seems there are a lot of wild claims made about various therapies.

Not trying to dismiss others' choices. "Conventional" therapies and medication have worked well and I realize that's not the case for all kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have tried several things; some work better than others

Methyl B-12 shots (need a Dr)

Ultimate Omega Fish Oil (2t/day)
VIt E
Phoshicholine (1t/day) T- his and above from Kelly Dorrman site
DMAE
COQ10

Kirklman multivit
VSL #3 probiotic

We work with Dr Layton

ALso, have tried the gluten and casien free diet and read several books

You say you've tried the gluten and casien free diet. Does this mean it didn't work for you?

No it did not work for us but it was worth trying, I think it only works for 70 percent. Also, the majority of the supplements have not worked either

Anonymous wrote:We have tried several things; some work better than others

Methyl B-12 shots (need a Dr)

Ultimate Omega Fish Oil (2t/day)
VIt E
Phoshicholine (1t/day) T- his and above from Kelly Dorrman site
DMAE
COQ10

Kirklman multivit
VSL #3 probiotic

We work with Dr Layton

ALso, have tried the gluten and casien free diet and read several books

You say you've tried the gluten and casien free diet. Does this mean it didn't work for you?

We have tried several things; some work better than others

Methyl B-12 shots (need a Dr)

Ultimate Omega Fish Oil (2t/day)
VIt E
Phoshicholine (1t/day) T- his and above from Kelly Dorrman site
DMAE
COQ10

Kirklman multivit
VSL #3 probiotic

We work with Dr Layton

ALso, have tried the gluten and casien free diet and read several books

I just had to respond to 1:31 and 21:03...I relate!!!!!! I feel like people want to ride the gravy train and will just milk you dry. Yes, we have people we trust, but I feel like even they can take advantage. Oh well..well said to both of you!!

Onto supplements..we have found best results with
fish oil
multivitamin

no clue if vitamin D has helped, but we do it because DS is low by new standards, though WNL by old standards

Anonymous wrote:DD (6) is calmer, sleeps easier and is less irritable. Her anxiety is lessened. She is less frustrated and handles "hurt feelings" better. I guess she's less sensitive.
No side effects from either. Pediatrician ok'ed both fish oil and epsom salts.

Thanks for this...not a PP, but have a DD w/ AS and will try anything to make her days a little happier.

DD (6) is calmer, sleeps easier and is less irritable. Her anxiety is lessened. She is less frustrated and handles "hurt feelings" better. I guess she's less sensitive.
No side effects from either. Pediatrician ok'ed both fish oil and epsom salts.

any side effects with epsom salts. What positive changes have you noticed

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I agree that there are a lot of "snake oil" salesmen out there. I can't afford expensive out-of-pocket doctors, private schools, or therapists.

We all love our children dearly and want to see improvement, but we can't impoverish our families. I was hoping that there was a inexpensive vitamin supplement that might help him a little.

I am in the same boat. We have seen results with fish oil and epsom salts in the bath...it's not that expensive so try it.

OP here: I agree that there are a lot of "snake oil" salesmen out there. I can't afford expensive out-of-pocket doctors, private schools, or therapists.

We all love our children dearly and want to see improvement, but we can't impoverish our families. I was hoping that there was a inexpensive vitamin supplement that might help him a little.

Among the many things that bug me about this is the feeling that I'm supposed to be a walking dollar sign. Somebody hears your child has an ASD diagnosis and you a money pit.

It's worse than people in the wedding trade find you're engaged.

EVERYBODY has just the thing to help! And they all assume you spend money like toilet paper.

I second this reccomendation. It may be costly but is worth the shot, at least the process of elimination of what works and does not...

We found working with Kelly Dorfman in Potomac, she is a nutritionist, to be of great benefit to our DS. I'd recommend reading articles on her site, the "4 A's" book by Kenneth Bock is also excellent. In general omegas are beneficial, after that it really depends on your child. Pam Compart is a local DAN doctor with a strong reputation, she would also be a good resource for you. I would educate yourself and work with a knowledgeable person rather than just try more than fish oil on your own.

For those of you who give your child supplements to help with Asperger's/ADHD/SPD, what have you found most helpful?